House Speaker urges fairness with media
Parliamentary Speaker Thura Shwe Mann has sent a message to President Thein Sein on July 22 requesting the government to consider a more tolerant approach to dealing with the media.
The message expressed concerns voiced by media organisations and some members of Parliament after a number of recent cases brought against journalists and media professionals.
“Parliament and the government are required to place emphasis on the media as represented by the interim Myanmar Press Council and media professionals. By making prompt clarifications we can ensure the reduction of the worries of concerned organisations and the smooth transition to democracy,” the message said.
He added that the government is currently trying to handle issues relating to the media in accord with the existing laws.
A number of journalists have been charged for holding a silent protest earlier this month. This follows the sentencing of four journalists and an executive of Unity Journal to 10 years hard labour for a report about a military weapons factory.
More recently reporters from the Bi Mon Te Nay Journal were charged for false reporting and are still being held in custody. International media watchdogs have criticised the recent charges as a backtracking of government reforms.
“The media is responsible for reporting to make something known to the public. Media professionals do not have full rights. If the concerned authorities take actions against media professionals, the interim Myanmar Press Council must be informed,” said Lower House MP Khaing Maung Yi.
The interim Myanmar Press Council was officially formed by the president but it has often been sidelined or completely ignored, especially regarding recent government charges against journalists and media orgnisations.
